After carrying out successful tests, the first of which was launched in September 1979 after which series production started in 1981.With the reopening of the BEAR production line,the Soviets began producing a new, upgraded variant of the BEAR turboprop bomber, thereby increasing their long-range bomber force. This entirely new variant of the BEAR bomber-the BEAR H-became the launch platform for the long-range Kn-55[AS-15]air-launched missile. The initial version carried kh-55 air-to-surface missiles located on a catapultin in the bomb bay. This was the first new production of a strike version of the BEAR airframe since the 1960s, thereby reversing a decline in use of Bear aircraft through the 1970s. By 1988 BEAR H bombers were regularly seen training in simulating attacks against North America. Length: 162 ft 5 in; Wingspan: 167 ft 8 in; Height: 39 ft 9 in; Speed: 575 mph; Ceiling: 39,370 ft; Range: 7,800 miles